The government, through the National State Funeral Committee, has
said that it will announce a series of events and activities to honour the late
former Prime Minister Raila Odinga after his burial.
In an update on Saturday evening, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who co-chairs the committee, said the announcement will be made after his burial
rites.
“The National State Funeral Committee will announce details
of subsequent events and activities to further honour the late former Prime Minister
Raila Odinga after tomorrow’s interment rites,” he said.
The Deputy President further announced that the funeral ceremony
will start from 9 am to 1 pm on Sunday.
“Tomorrow, the final interment ceremony will take place,
starting with an interment service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University
from 9.00 am until 1.00 pm, followed by committal, final prayers and military
honours at the gravesite at Kango Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County.”
Kindiki thanked members of the public, security
professionals and emergency personnel for managing to the best possible way,
the public viewing of the mortal remains of the departed former Prime Minister.
“The day-long public viewing activity at Mamboleo Grounds in
Kisumu City has ended solemnly as the mourning period progresses.
“The remains have arrived at the late former Prime Minister
Raila Odinga’s home at Opoda Farm, Bondo in Siaya County, for an overnight
stay,” he added.
The National State Funeral Committee has been giving updates
on the progress of plans for the final rites of the late ODM leader.
Thousands of residents had gathered at Mamboleo in Kisumu to
view the body of the former Prime Minister.
Final preparations are complete for the farewell of the
Right Hon. Raila Odinga, set to take place tomorrow, October 19, in Bondo,
Siaya County.
Leaders from the region gathered on Saturday to inspect the
final preparations, united in grief and reverence.
The body of the late former Prime Minister was airlifted to
his Opoda Farm residence after a public viewing at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in
Kisumu.
The helicopter carrying his body touched down at Opoda Farm
at 4:16 p.m., where mourners wailed and blew vuvuzelas as the casket was
received by the Odinga family.
Hundreds of residents had gathered at the farm, standing in
long, silent queues to pay their last respects.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo confirmed that
earlier plans to transport the body by road had been changed.
“The decision centred on logistical coordination and
security preparedness to ensure the ceremony proceeds smoothly, safely, and
with the dignity befitting a national hero,” Omollo said.
Raila will be laid to rest at the family home in Kang’o ka
Jaramogi, Bondo, after a night vigil at Opoda Farm.
